One dead, one injured in possible drug related shooting in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- Pinellas County deputies are searching for two suspects in a shooting that occurred just before 7:30 p.m. in the area of 68th Ave. N in St. Petersburg.

Neighbor Joe Kern said he raced inside the home when he heard screams for help.

"The woman inside said, 'My husband's been shot,' so I went into the back bedroom and he was laying on the floor with his eyes wide open," said Kern.

Kern said a man from the house ran into his backyard, begging for someone to call 911.

"I said to the guy, 'I don't know what you're fixing to do, but you can't hide out here.' About that time, cops were coming up the driveway They looked at us, and then at him, and told him to get on the ground," said another neighbor.

According to witnesses, the elderly female victim inside the home said two men walked in and shot her. They then reportedly shot her husband, took all of his medication, ran out, and took off in a white Lexus.

Cops immediately gave chase by foot, car, and chopper. Investigators with dogs and flashlights combed the area for evidence as homeowners stood and watched, stunned that a double shooting happened in their neighborhood.

The husband, later identified as 58-year-old David Paonessa, was pronounced dead. His wife, 66-year-old Jane Bryant, suffered a gunshot wound to the hip and is expected to recover.

Anyone with any information on the shooting, or the suspects, is asked to call the sheriff's office at 727-582-6299 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.